Go Back
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. Choose organic chicken for a juicy bite. Good quality pasta matters too. Opt for imported fettuccine for a better texture. Fresh garlic adds a strong flavor. Use real Parmesan cheese, not the pre-grated stuff. Fresh spinach brings vibrant color and nutrients. Lastly, choose ripe cherry tomatoes for natural sweetness. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish rich and tasty. You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different taste. Whole wheat pasta works well if you want a healthier option. For a dairy-free sauce, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a vegan twist. If you dislike spinach, try kale or arugula. These simple swaps keep the dish easy while introducing new flavors. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta. Set it aside. Reserve a small cup of pasta water for later. Take out a large skillet. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook it for 6-7 minutes on each side. It should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest on a cutting board. Slice it after a few minutes. In the same skillet, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about one minute. Stir to keep the garlic from burning. You want it fragrant but not brown. Next, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for 3-4 minutes. They should soften and release their juices. Pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir it well with the garlic and tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will help it thicken slightly. Add one cup of fresh spinach leaves to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts. Then, mix in half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Slice the rested chicken into strips. Return it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken. Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Plate the dish right away. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for flavor and color. For an extra touch, sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top. A slice of lemon on the side adds a nice pop. Enjoy your meal! To cook chicken well, start with good quality meat. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in your skillet until it shimmers. This step helps to get a nice golden crust. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest before slicing; this keeps it juicy. For a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. After sautéing the garlic and tomatoes, pour in the cream slowly. Stir well to mix with the garlic and tomatoes. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Add grated Parmesan cheese gradually. Stir until it melts completely, making your sauce smooth and rich. If it gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. To cook pasta, use a large pot with boiling salted water. Add the fettuccine and stir occasionally. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Aim for al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta but keep a cup of the pasta water. This water is great for adjusting your sauce's consistency later. Toss the pasta with the sauce right away for the best flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cherry tomatoes enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, making it more vibrant and appealing. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To ensure juicy chicken, monitor the cooking time closely and use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the cream sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency without losing flavor. Flavor Boost with Herbs: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor that complements the Italian seasoning. {{image_4}} You can make Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta even better by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These not only add flavor but also color. You can also add proteins like shrimp or tofu. Just cook them the same way you cook the chicken. This way, you have a tasty mix of flavors. If you need a gluten-free meal, swap the fettuccine with gluten-free pasta. There are many great options now, like rice or chickpea pasta. Be sure to check the cooking time since they might differ. This makes the dish safe and yummy for everyone! To make this dish dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. These options give a creamy taste without dairy. For cheese, use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. This way, you enjoy the same rich flavors while keeping it dairy-free. To keep your Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the chicken and pasta if you can. This helps each part stay fresh. When you're ready to eat leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover the dish to keep moisture in. Heat for about 1-2 minutes. Stir and check if it’s warm. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. Heat over medium until warm. Stir often to avoid burning. If you want to save your pasta for later, freezing is a great option. Let it cool completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. You can pair Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a fresh salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing works well. Garlic bread is another great side. It adds a nice crunch and helps scoop up the creamy sauce. You might also consider serving some roasted vegetables. They add color and balance the meal. To add heat, include red pepper flakes in the sauce. Start with a pinch and adjust to taste. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for more flavor. Adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can also spice things up. Each option will give the dish a different kick. Yes, you can prepare parts of the dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta, then store them separately in the fridge. You can also make the sauce and keep it in an airtight container. Just combine everything when you’re ready to serve. This way, you save time and still enjoy a delicious meal. This post covered all you need for Marry Me Chicken Pasta, from start to finish. We explored key ingredients and their quality. I shared simple cooking steps and tips to make your dish perfect. Then, I gave ideas for variations and how to store your leftovers. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy your meal!

Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water if needed for the sauce.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Carefully place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board before slicing it.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent it from burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
  • Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine with the garlic and tomatoes. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Add the fresh spinach leaves to the creamy sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts down. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and return them to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the chicken in the sauce. Then, add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet, tossing until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy mixture. If the sauce is too thick, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  • Plate the creamy chicken pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of flavor and vibrant color.

Notes

For an elegant touch, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil over the top just before serving. Add a slice of lemon for a pop of color on the side.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, easy, pasta